Carpentry Trades Contractors and Supervisors

Nature of work

These supervisors coordinate and supervise the activities Carpenters and Cabinetmakers. They work for construction companies, carpentry contractors, maintenance departments of industrial businesses, and custom furniture and fixture manufacturing or repair companies. Contractors may be self-employed.

Job duties

Contractors and supervisors in this group:

• Supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of carpenters and cabinetmakers.
• Create ways to meet work schedules and coordinate work activities with other departments.
• Request materials and supplies.
• Solve work problems and recommend ways to improve productivity.
• Train or arrange for training of workers.
• Recommend staffing actions like hiring and promotions.
• Make sure safe working conditions standards are met.
• Prepare schedules and other reports.
• May manage their own companies.
• May also supervise, coordinate and schedule the activities of related apprentices, helpers and labourers.
• Small businesses' contractors may carry out tasks within their trade area of expertise, which is generally not the case for supervisors or contractors associated with a medium or large business.

Sample job titles

• cabinetmaking contractor
• carpenter supervisor
• carpentry contractor
• finish carpenters foreperson
• form builders foreperson
• framers foreperson
• general foreperson - residential construction
• maintenance carpenters supervisor
• residential construction supervisor

Skills

• You must be able to work well with a variety of people. Leadership and effective spoken and written communication skills are essential. You must also be able to prepare cost estimates, maintain production schedules, supervise staff, and work as part of a team. You should be prepared to keep up with new techniques, equipment, and materials. Physical stamina and good motor skills are necessary.

Job requirements

• High school is usually required.
• Several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a related trade are required.
• Journeyperson trade certification in a related trade is required.

Other considerations

• Most people in these jobs work full-time but often for only part of each year. Jobs in the construction industry are strongly affected by seasonal changes and general economic conditions. Workers in many of these jobs should be prepared for periods of unemployment. Many work on a project basis and can expect periods of unemployment throughout the year. Individuals in these jobs usually have significant non-supervisory experience in related jobs. There is some movement among jobs within a specific trade, however, there is little or no inter-trade movement among supervisors.

Regulations

Contacts

There are no additional resources for this occupation.